The not so Ordinary Guide to Avoiding Identity Theft
As you have seen in the news, you can never be too careful when safeguarding your confidential information. The last thing that you want to experience is having your identity stolen and dealing with the impacts that it has on your life. We went to different sources to bring you the not so ordinary tips for protecting yourself from this. We have all heard the everyday “don’t give a stranger your credit card,” but what we would like to share with you are some things that you may not have considered:
Ask Why: When a business asks you for your personal information you have the right to know why they need it, ask away!
Shred: Receipts, offers and applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks, bank statements, expired credit cards, etc.
Health Care: Destroy the labels on your prescription bottles before disposing of them and do not give out any information to a health care company who is contacting you for free services or products.
Monitor your Mail Box: Remove mail from your mailbox quickly or if you are away call the post office to have a hold put on your mail. Do not have cheques or other important documents mailed to your home unless you have a secure, locked mailbox.
Don’t Announce your Travel Plans: Announcing this through social media invites identity thieves to target your house while you’re away.
Opt Out: Ask to no longer receive offers for credit cards or insurance via mail.
Use Caution with Public Wifi: Wireless networks at public locations such as cafes or libraries are unsecured and provides easy access to identity thieves. Be aware of what information you a pulling up online when using public wifi.
These tips came from the following websites. To find out more details about these tips or and to learn more about ways to protect yourself from personal identification theft, visit the websites at:
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0272-how-keep-your-personal-information-secure#offline
http://www.boston.com/business/personal_finance/blog/2013/05/protect_your_identity_when_tra.html
http://blog.laptopmag.com/10-tips-for-protecting-your-identity